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The RS485 Modbus interface board is identical to the RS485 Interface Board, except that it uses 8-wire RJ45 jacks as recommended by the Modbus standard, as opposed to 6-wire RJ11 jacks. Both boards are equally compatible with the Modbus RTU and Modbus ASCII protocols.

Operation can be configured for full-duplex or half-duplex operation using jumpers on the RS485 Modbus board. Transmission distances up to one mile are possible. In case of long line lengths, a jumper can be plugged in the RS485 Modbus board at the end of the line to insert a 120-ohm termination resistor to minimize signal reflections.

Two serial multipoint protocols are user-selectable and are implemented on the meter main board: the Laurel ASCII protocol and the Modbus protocol. For detailed information, please see our Modbus Protocol Serial Communications Manual and Serial Communications Manual or

The Modbus protocol is an international standard and allows Laureates to share the same RS485 data lines with non-Laurel devices. It supports up to 247 digital addresses. Use of more than 31 Laurel RS485 Modbus boards requires repeaters for impedance reasons.

The Laurel ASCII protocol is the simplest and is recommended if the only devices on the RS485 data line are Laureate meters. It supports up to 31 digital addresses.

Instrument Setup Software runs on a PC and provides a Windows Graphical User Interface (GUI) as an alternative to programming the meter from the front panel. This software can be downloaded from this website at no charge. Its use requires a serial communications board in the meter, but following setup that board can be removed if desired. Compatible with Modbus or Laurel ASCII protocol.

Custom Curve Linearizing Software is compatible with the Extended option version of all Laureates. Not applicable to temperature. Custom curve linearization can provide exceptional accuracy from low cost transducers and extend their working range on the high and low ends. This software can be downloaded from this website at no charge. Meter setup requires a serial communications board in the meter and the Laurel ASCII protocol, but following setup that board can be removed if desired and any protocol can be used.

Data Logging Software turns a PC into a data logging system. The RS232 board allows data logging with a single meter. Use of RS485 boards allows data logging with up to 31 Laureate instruments. Data can be logged from selected meters into an ASCII file, which can then be imported into MS Excel. Data can also be displayed on the computer screen in the form of up to 64 actual or virtual panel meters in 4 groups (or screens) of up to 16 meters each. Compatible with Laurel ASCII protocol only.